work out
Exercise or solve a problem
Littéralement: To perform labor in an outward direction
En 15 secondes
- Used to say a situation will end successfully or resolve naturally.
- Commonly used to comfort friends or discuss uncertain future plans.
- Can mean 'to solve' or 'to result in a positive way'.
Signification
When you say something will 'work out,' you mean it will end successfully or resolve itself in a positive way. It is like saying everything will be okay in the end, even if things look messy now.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend after a job interview
Don't worry, I'm sure everything will work out for the best.
Don't worry, I'm sure everything will result in a good way.
Discussing a difficult business deal
We are still negotiating, but I think the contract will work out.
We are still negotiating, but I think the contract will be successful.
Texting about changing dinner plans
If the rain stops, our picnic might still work out!
If the rain stops, our picnic might still happen successfully.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is central to the 'American Dream' narrative—the idea that hard work and persistence will always lead to things 'working out.' Often used with a sense of 'muddling through.' It's less about 'grinding' and more about things naturally settling into place if you stay calm. The term 'workout' has become a universal loanword in many languages, representing a modern, health-conscious lifestyle. In business, 'working it out' often implies a compromise where both parties give something up to reach a deal.
The 'Everything' Rule
If you aren't sure how to start the sentence, use 'Everything will work out.' It's almost always correct and natural.
Pronoun Placement
Never say 'work out it.' Always say 'work it out.' This is the most common mistake for intermediate learners.
En 15 secondes
- Used to say a situation will end successfully or resolve naturally.
- Commonly used to comfort friends or discuss uncertain future plans.
- Can mean 'to solve' or 'to result in a positive way'.
What It Means
Work out is a magic phrase for optimism. It means a situation will reach a good conclusion. Think of it like a puzzle. The pieces might be scattered now. Eventually, they fit together perfectly. It is about things falling into place. You use it when you are hopeful about the future. It suggests that problems will disappear or be solved.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb. It often follows 'will' or 'is going to.' You might say, 'I hope it works out for you.' It is very flexible. You can use it for relationships, jobs, or travel plans. It can also mean to calculate something. For example, 'I need to work out the cost.' But usually, it is about success. It is a great way to comfort a stressed friend.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is worried about an interview. Use it when a couple is having a small argument. It fits perfectly in a business meeting too. If a project is difficult, say 'We will work out a solution.' It sounds proactive and positive. It is common in texting when a plan is still vague. You might text, 'Let's see how the weather works out first.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are already finished. If you won a race, do not say 'I worked out.' That sounds like you went to the gym! Also, avoid it in very tragic situations. If someone loses a loved one, 'It will work out' sounds dismissive. It is for solvable problems, not deep grief. Do not use it if you are 100% certain of a mechanical result. You do not work out a light switch; you just flip it.
Cultural Background
English speakers love the idea of 'effort leading to results.' The phrase suggests that if you keep moving, things improve. It reflects a culture of 'figuring it out' as you go. In the US and UK, it is a staple of 'small talk.' It shows you are supportive without being too nosy. It became very popular in the mid-20th century. Now, it is one of the most used phrasal verbs in the language.
Common Variations
Be careful with the noun 'workout.' That is only for exercise at the gym! You can also say 'things are working out' (happening now). Or use 'work it out' when you need to solve a specific conflict. 'We need to work it out' implies a conversation is needed. 'Everything worked out' is the past tense for a happy ending. It is a versatile tool for your vocabulary.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social or professional situation. Just be careful not to confuse the verb 'work out' with the noun 'workout' (exercise).
The 'Everything' Rule
If you aren't sure how to start the sentence, use 'Everything will work out.' It's almost always correct and natural.
Pronoun Placement
Never say 'work out it.' Always say 'work it out.' This is the most common mistake for intermediate learners.
Business Nuance
In meetings, use 'work out' to sound proactive. 'Let's work out the logistics' sounds better than 'Let's talk about the logistics.'
Relationship Talk
When someone says 'We're working things out,' it usually means they are having problems but trying to stay together.
Exemples
6Don't worry, I'm sure everything will work out for the best.
Don't worry, I'm sure everything will result in a good way.
Used here to provide emotional support and hope.
We are still negotiating, but I think the contract will work out.
We are still negotiating, but I think the contract will be successful.
Professional use implying a positive resolution to a deal.
If the rain stops, our picnic might still work out!
If the rain stops, our picnic might still happen successfully.
Casual use for daily planning and logistics.
We have some issues, but we love each other and will work it out.
We have some issues, but we will solve them together.
Using 'work it out' specifically for resolving relationship conflicts.
I can't work out the answer to this final question.
I can't calculate or find the answer to this question.
Literal use meaning to calculate or solve a puzzle.
My diet didn't work out because the pizza was just too tempting.
My diet wasn't successful because of the pizza.
Using the phrase to describe a funny failure.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'work out'.
I'm sure if we talk about it, we can ______ a solution.
After 'can' (a modal verb), we use the base form of the verb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
The math problem was hard, but...
When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'work' and 'out'.
Match the meaning of 'work out' to the situation.
Situation: 'I'm going to the gym for an hour.'
In the context of a gym, 'work out' always refers to physical exercise.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'I'm worried about our travel plans.' B: 'Don't worry, ______.'
'Work out' is the standard idiom for saying a situation will resolve successfully.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Work Out vs. Figure Out
Common Objects for 'Work Out'
Problems
- • math
- • logistics
- • details
People
- • relationships
- • differences
- • intentions
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI'm sure if we talk about it, we can ______ a solution.
After 'can' (a modal verb), we use the base form of the verb.
The math problem was hard, but...
When the object is a pronoun like 'it', it must go between 'work' and 'out'.
Situation: 'I'm going to the gym for an hour.'
In the context of a gym, 'work out' always refers to physical exercise.
A: 'I'm worried about our travel plans.' B: 'Don't worry, ______.'
'Work out' is the standard idiom for saying a situation will resolve successfully.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it's perfectly fine for professional emails, especially when discussing plans or solutions.
'Workout' (one word) is a noun (e.g., 'a hard workout'). 'Work out' (two words) is a verb (e.g., 'I work out').
Yes, 'I can't work him out' means you don't understand his personality or motives.
Usually, yes. If you say 'it worked out,' it implies a positive result. If it's negative, you must say 'it didn't work out.'
No. For cooking, we use 'making' or 'baking.' You only 'work out' plans, problems, or math.
'Pan out' is very similar but more informal and often used for results of investments or long-term plans.
The past tense is 'worked out.' Example: 'Everything worked out perfectly.'
It is equally common and used the same way in both dialects.
Yes, 'Work out the total' means to calculate the final sum.
'Reconcile' or 'make up' are similar, but 'work things out' is the most common.
Expressions liées
pan out
synonymTo result in success (often used for plans).
iron out
similarTo resolve minor problems.
sort out
similarTo organize or fix a mess.
work through
builds onTo deal with a complex emotional issue.
come together
similarWhen parts of a plan start to work as a whole.
